Mayor of Runnymede Cllr Cotty was not aware of the incident until he was informed by Get Surrey.

“I think anyone who acts in an irresponsible way with other people’s property has something to answer for – whatever their cause,” he said.

“I’m disappointed and very sad. I can only say I have just come back from there [the Runnymede Pleasure Grounds] myself.

"There are an awful lot of people admiring the statue for the real reason for it being there.

"It’s drawing crowds for the right reasons rather than the wrong reasons, I am delighted to report.”

The statue was unveiled for the Magna Carta 800th anniversary celebrations

Ahead of the launch of a two-week public consultation in March to gather views from the public on the statue, Egham councillor David Knight had claimed it might have to be placed inside a cage for security purposes.

Surrey Police said it had not received any reports of damage to the statue.

“Police did not attend but the local safer neighbourhood officer has now been made aware,” a spokesman said.

“Officers have been advised, the statue has been viewed and nothing untoward is apparent.”

Westminster City Council confirmed vandalism had taken place at the She Guardian site and that it would be working with Halycon Gallery, which owns the sculpture, to ensure the police were informed.

The Metropolitan Police said it had not received any reports of criminal damage to the sculpture.